THOR (REVIEW)
Rated M - 115 mins
Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleson, Jamie
Alexander, Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgard
With hammer in hand, Thor, the mighty god of thunder arrives
with an abundance of fire, brimstone and lightning strikes that are
not soon forgotten.
For some time I have been a little underwhelmed with too
many so called superhero films that are simply not so super at all.
Indifferent thoughts aside, Thor is a welcome addition to the genre
and serves as a cinema appetiser for Captain America due later this
year and a cumulative Avengers film featuring an array of characters,
out 2012.
Having brought an unfamiliar state of warfare to the usual
peaceful existence in his home of Asgard, a cocky and temperamental
warrior Thor is banished to the realms of Midgard (otherwise known as
Earth) by his furious father Odin (Anthony Hopkins). A spell has also
been cast over Thor's weapon of choice, a gigantic mystical hammer,
so that it will only impart its conquering powers on a worthy bearer.
In other words, Thor has to think for a prolonged period about his attitude
triggering short fuse and repercussions that it may generate. On Earth
he has nothing but thinking time.
Arriving on the foreign planet, the blonde adonis has
an instant impression on scientist Jane Foster, who almost runs him
over in her car. She is out on assignment investigating a series of
weird electrical storms in the New Mexico region. Soon enough, the unknown
corporation S.H.I.E.L.D, fresh from recruiting Tony Stark in Ironman
2, are alerted to the visitor from another world and send a team to
bring him in. This is not so simple.
Meanwhile back on Asgard, Loki assumes the throne and
unleashes various harsh creatures to create further havoc on Earth as
we know it. Australian Chris Hemsworth shows a strong willed youthful
arrogance as Thor giving the mighty one a sense of vulnerability. His
physical dedication to the role is also astounding. Better known for
his Shakespeare celluloid triumphs, director Kenneth Branagh keeps things
as highly compelling as it is theatrical, working every frame into angelic
like illumination.
It's not just action; there are frequently hilarious fish
out of water situations and quirky fan related remarks. Sir Anthony
Hopkins certainly seems to be hamming it up barking godly monologues
from the clouds. Stay alert for a certain 'Avenger' guest appearance
and don't leave before the final credits finish rolling, there is an
extra scene.
This Marvel comic book adaptation originally created by
master Stan Lee, is epic narrative that constantly absorbs your attention
throughout. Thor makes 'Clash of the Titans' look like Play School,
even the rich visuals are complimented by 3D and that's a rarity in
itself.
Shane A. Bassett
